Robert W. Morphis

Robert Wilson Morphis, age 99 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, passed away on Friday, June 10, 2011 in the Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ.

Born in Reidsville, NC, September 11, 1911, he had resided in Independence Manor, Raritan Township, NJ for the past three years.

After graduating from Reidsville High School, he joined the National Guard in 1928. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Elon College where he played varsity football for four years. After graduating college, he went to work as an Assistant Football Coach and Boys Counselor at what is now the Masonic Home For Children in Oxford, NC.

He married Louise Johnson on August 1, 1935. After his marriage he took a job at Lansing (NC) High School, where he taught mathematics, and was Head Coach in football, baseball, and basketball. He was also Director of Athletics. He resigned in 1941 to take a job with Barrett, which lasted from 1941 until his retirement in 1976. He was their General Plant Superintendent of all paving materials operations in New England, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois.

Mr. Morphis was active in the Masonic Order where he became a 32nd Degree Mason. He was active in his church, serving as Vice Moderator in Park Church, Norwich, CT, as well as a Deacon and Chairman of the Search Committee. He was President of the Norwich Kiwanis Club and the Bound Brook, NJ Kiwanis. When he moved to Flemington he was active in the Flemington Presbyterian Church.

He was pre-deceased by his wife, Louise, in 2008 , and a son, Robert William, in 2008. Surviving are his children, David Johnson of Largo, FL, and Peggy Schmid of Flemington, NJ; six grandchildren: David, Scott, and Brett Morphis, Tara Hazen, Terry Morphis, and Tracy Pieper; and two great-grandchildren: James Pieper and Quentin Hazen.

Prior to coming to Raritan Township, he had lived in Connecticut, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, and Westfield, NJ. He also served as a volunteer at the Hunterdon Medical Center. He helped organize the Lights of Love and was Chairman of the Tree Committee. Mr. Morphis also volunteered at the Hunterdon County Office on Aging, helping the elderly with their insurance for many years.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday at 11 AM in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Interment will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Flemington, NJ. Calling hours will be held from 10-11 AM Wednesday in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lights Of Love, Hunterdon Medical Center, 2100 Wescott Drive, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information, or to send condolences.